FREE Holiday Events Around DFW This Weekend

Posted by My Dallas Mommy on Wednesday, November 18th, 2015 at 2:00 PM
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Watters Creek at Montgomery Farms will kick off its holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 4:30 p.m. with its annual Light the Night festival. In addition, Watters Creek will offer a line-up of free, family-friendly events and activities that will keep the holiday spirit alive throughout the season. Holiday festivities include:

Light the Night– Nov. 21 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Join Watters Creek for a magical evening to kick off the holiday season and welcome Santa. Starting at 4:30, KLUV’s Jody Dean, the evening’s emcee, will help everyone get into the holiday spirit.  Mrs. Claus will be passing out free cookies, and there will be complimentary carriage rides, hot cocoa, caroling, face painting, and more.

The evening’s entertainment includes a performance at 5 p.m. by the Allen Symphony Chorus. They will perform seasonal favorites by the fireplace near The Green to keep the “ho-ho-ho” in holidays.

At 6:15 p.m. guests will be dazzled when Santa lights up the 30-foot tree, the centerpiece of Watters Creek’s holiday display. The 30-foot tree leads a 145,000 glittering light display that includes 20 other trees and Santa’s sleigh with reindeer. The lights are synchronized to holiday music and play every hour from 6 – 9 p.m., daily through New Year’s Day. The evening’s festivities will top off with a spectacular fireworks display.

Complimentary Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Nov. 21 from 4 to 8 p.m.

Nov. 27 and 28 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Rides from 6 to 9 p.m. on: Dec. 4-5, 11-12, 14-19, 21-23

Dec. 24 from 12 to 3 p.m.

Allen Community Outreach Toy Drive – Nov. 23 through Dec. 11

The Allen Community Outreach and Watters Creek invites the community to help give back this holiday season by bringing a new, unwrapped toy for children and/or teens to the Watters Creek Guest Services, The Lofts leasing office, or Santa’s Corner.

Trees for Troops – Dec. 4 and 5, 12 – 8 p.m.

Watters Creek will join FedEx Freight and the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation in honoring members of the U.S. Armed Forces by providing 100 Christmas trees that will be distributed to service members and their families. Guests can participate by stopping by the Trees for Troops tent, located next to Frogg Coffee Bar & Creperie, to write a note of appreciation that will be attached to a Christmas tree and received by a service member or family.

Brunch with Santa at Bonnie Ruth’s Bistro– Dec 5, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Enjoy Mrs. Claus’ Breakfast Buffet and holiday treats while Santa and Mrs. Claus visit and pose for photos with guests. Each child with a reservation will receive a holiday gift bag. Guests will also have an opportunity to sign a card that will be hung on one of Watters Creek’s Trees for Troops. Brunch is $10 for adults and $8 for children. Price of brunch includes beverage. Please call Bonnie Ruth’s at 214.383.6777 to make your reservation. Reservations are required and space is limited.

Santa Photos – Nov. 21 – Dec. 24

Everyone’s favorite jolly guy will be available to take photos with children and listen to holiday wishes through Christmas Eve. Visit him at his home away from home, located on Garden Park Drive across the street from The Blue Fish restaurant and next door to the ACO Boutique. Specific dates and times are located on Watters Creek website at www.watterscreek.com/events. Holiday photo packages start at $15.95.

Santa Paws, Pet Photos with Santa, Nov 30, Dec 7 and 14,5 to 8 p.m.

Four-legged friends will have their own special time for photos with Santa. Dogs and cats must be leashed at all times or kept in an appropriate carrier while at Watters Creek.

Black Friday Holiday Shopping Promotion, Nov. 27

Watters Creek is offering a special holiday shopping promotion for one day only. Guests will receive a $30 Watters Creek gift card when they spend $150 at the shopping center on Black Friday, Nov. 27 from 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.  Guests receive a $15 gift card From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on November 27 and until 6 p.m. on November 28, with $150 in same-day Watters Creek receipts. To obtain the gift cards, guests should bring their same-day receipts (as proof of purchase) to Guest Services located in the breezeway between Savour and Pure Barre on Village Green Drive. Gift cards are available while supplies last. Limit one gift card, per person, per day. Excludes grocery receipts. Other restrictions may apply.

Elves, Inc. every Tuesday in Dec., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. AND 6 to 8 p.m.

Located at Blue House Too, the Allen Arts Alliance space on the south end of Market Street, Elves, Inc. offers fun holiday craft projects each Tuesday in Dec. Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22, kids can participate in creating their own special holiday craft project. It’s open to preschool ages through elementary and is free to participate.

Free valet on weekends

Watters Creek offers free valet to all customers Friday and Saturday from 5 – 11 p.m. throughout the year. Valet is located on Market St. in front of Mi Cocina.  On Garden Park in front of The Blue Fish, and on Village Green Drive in front of Savour.

In the event of inclement weather, outdoor events will be cancelled or rescheduled.  For the most up-to-date information on Holiday events, visit the Watters Creek website athttp://www.watterscreek.com or follow the shopping center on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. Watters Creek Guest Services can be reached at 970.747.8000.


The Shops at Highland Village celebrates its grand reopening and kicks off its holiday season on Sat., Nov. 21 with “Our Village Glows.” The festivities begin at 5 p.m. in the newly designed Central Park.  At 6:30 p.m. attendees will be delighted with a “flip of a switch” to see the 60-foot Christmas tree and Central Park light show themed “Let it Glow! Holiday Light Show Spectacular,” which includes 245,300 LED tree lights synchronized to holiday music and provides a one-of-a-kind experience.  In addition, for the first time ever, Santa Claus will make The Shops at Highland Village his home inside the interactive tree from Nov. 21 – Dec. 24.

As part of the celebration, the Highland Village Women’s Club is hosting a raffle with proceeds from the ticket sales being donated to local Denton County charities. Tickets will be available for purchase during “Our Village Glows.” Raffle prizes include eight Classic Turkey dinners from Whole Foods Market, and one lucky winner will get to “Flip the Switch” with Santa Claus, turning on the Christmas tree and starting the “Let it Glow” light show! Throughout the holiday season, The Shops at Highland Village guests can enjoy:

Let it Glow! – Nov. 21 through New Year’s Day

A spectacular light show happening daily at The Shops at Highland Village! The new lighting display, which includes the 60-foot Christmas tree and surrounding trees in Central Park, will be synchronized to holiday music delighting guests of all ages. Enjoy daily showings every hour, on the hour from 6 to 9pm.

Santa Photos – Nov. 21 through Dec. 24

Everyone’s favorite jolly guy will be available daily to take photos with children of all ages and listen to holiday wishes through Christmas Eve. Visit him at his home-away-from-home, located inside The Shops at Highland Village’s 60-foot Christmas tree in Central Park. Santa’s helpers will be available to take photos to capture the special moment. Photo packages start at $22.

Santa Paws Pet Photos – Dec. 7 and 14, 6-8 p.m.

Santa Paws is coming to The Shops at Highland Village! Guests’ furry, feathered or scaly friends can enjoy their special moment with Santa in his home at The Shops, located inside the Christmas tree in Central Park. Santa’s helpers will be available to take photos to capture the special moment. Photo packages start at $22. All animals must be leashed or kept in an appropriate carrier, at all times, while at The Shops at Highland Village.

Pancake Breakfast with Santa – Dec. 1

Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast with Santa and his Elves at Corner Bakery from 8:30 – 10 a.m. Reservations are required and space is limited.

Brunch with Santa – Dec. 12

Celebrate the magic of Christmas at our first ever Brunch with Santa and his Elves at Blue Goose Cantina from 10 -11:30 a.m. Reservations are required and space is limited.

Story Time with Mrs. Claus – Dec. 5, 12 and 19

Join Mrs. Claus as she reads her favorite holiday stories in the Barnes & Noble Highland Village children’s area. Story dates and times are December 5 at 10 a.m.,December 12 at 1 p.m., and December 19 at 10 a.m.

Strolling Holiday Entertainment – Weekends of Nov. 27 through Dec. 23

Enjoy the festive sounds of The Living Christmas Card quartet, complete with custom-tailored Victorian costumes performing a selection of holiday music for guests’ listening pleasure. Jingles, a toy soldier, Jack Frost and Mrs. Claus are just a few of the interactive characters strolling the festive streets of The Shops at Highland Village. They will be on site Fridays – Sundays, making their final appearance before they head back to the North Pole, Dec. 21 – 23.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides – Weekends of Nov. 27 through Dec. 23

Grab your favorite hot beverage from Nestle Toll House Café and then sit back and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the festive streets of The Shops at Highland Village. Carriage rides are complimentary and available first come, first served.

Black Friday Giveaway – Nov. 27

It’s a secret!! Be sure to check The Shops at Highland Village’s website for more details. There will be a very special “enter to win” prize drawing.

Holiday Gift with Purchase Shopping Promotion, Nov. 30 through Dec. 13

The Shops at Highland Village is offering a special holiday shopping promotion. Beginning Nov. 30 through Dec. 13, guests will receive a $25 gift card to a participating restaurant of their choice for purchases made within this timeframe and totaling $250. To obtain the gift cards, guests should bring their receipts (as proof of purchase) to the Brightside Boutique, Jack’s Outfitters or Megan’s Lifestyle Boutique to claim their gift card. Gift cards are available while supplies last. Limit one gift card, per person, per day. Excludes Whole Foods Market receipts. Other restrictions may apply.

 Holiday Book Drive – Nov. 21 through Dec. 24

Tis the season to spread the joy of reading to children in North Texas! Barnes & Noble Highland Village is hosting a holiday Book Drive benefitting Communities in Schools of North Texas throughout the holiday season!

Sounds of the Season – Dec. 1 through Dec. 24

The Shops at Highland Village will be filled with the magic of holiday music throughout the month of Dec. Area choirs and performance groups will delight guests with a variety of old and new Christmas favorites.

In the event of inclement weather, outdoor events will be cancelled or rescheduled. For the most up-to-date information on reservations for breakfast and/or brunch with Santa, Santa photo hours and costs, horse-drawn carriage rides, concerts, Black Friday deals and giveaways, and all other events, contests and promotions taking place during the holiday season, please visit The Shops at Highland Village’s website at www.TheShopsatHighlandVillage.com.

For more information, visit www.theshopsathighlandvillage.com. Find and follow the shopping center on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.


Firewheel Holiday Celebration in Garland on November 23, 2013.

Holiday shoppers, families and visitors are invited to celebrate Firewheel Town Center’s 9th Annual Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting on Saturday, November 21.

Hometown Holidays is a day packed with free family-friendly activities, including live music, holiday characters, face painting, arts and crafts, The Saxophone Santas, and holiday train and horse-drawn carriage rides all beginning at 4 p.m. The celebration will culminate at 7:00 p.m. with Santa’s Arrival as he lights the 41-foot tall holiday tree. Fireworks will immediate follow, illuminating the night’s sky.

Throughout the holiday season, entertainment at Firewheel Town Center will include live performances, children’s activities, and holiday train and horse-drawn carriage rides around the property. Additionally, Firewheel Town Center will host several charitable events to help the community get involved in sharing joy and warmth with those in need. During the month of December, the mall will align with Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Salvation Army and Simon Youth Foundation. 2015 Holiday events will include:

Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting Event

o   Saturday, November 21 at 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Miniature Holiday Train Rides

o   Saturday, November 21  – Wednesday, December 31 from 2 p.m. – dusk , weather permitting

Complimentary Carriage Rides

o   November 21 from 3 p.m.  – 8 p.m.

o   Every Saturday beginning November 21 – December 21 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Santa Photos

o   Located at 615 Town Square in between Sonic and Nestle Tollhouse

o   November 21 – December 24

o   Hours vary; please contact Guest Services or www.firewheeltowncenter.com

Pet Photos with Santa

o   Sunday, November 22 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm.

Breakfast with Santa

o   Saturday, December 5 from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Reservation required.  Limited to the first 100 active Kidgits members.  Please contact Guest Services to RSVP.

Caring Santa

o   Sunday, December 6 10:30 am – 12:00 pm.

Marine Toys for Tots Donation Drive

o   Monday, December 7 Toys/Babies “R” Us parking lot

Salvation Army Angel Tree

o   Located at Guest Services from November 12 to December 10

Hometown Holidays is free and open to the public. For more information, please call (972) 675-1041, or visit www.firewheeltowncenter.com.  Area shoppers looking for the latest deals, contests and event information can also visit www.facebook.com/FirewheelTownCenter, www.twitter.com/ShopFirewheel or www.instagram.com/ShopFirewheel.


Bring you camera to take complimentary holiday photos at Gray Living, the 4,000-square-foot home décor and lifestyle shop in the heart of McKinney’s town square!

The window display is available for guests to climb in to for an elegant holiday photo complete with historic smiles. What a unique Christmas card this would make!


Santa Days at The Plaza:

–          First three Saturdays in December (December 5, 12, 19)
–          11:00 am to 4:00 pm
–          Santa Claus and his loyal reindeers Comet and Cupid will arrive at The Plaza for the annual Santa Days benefiting the North Texas Food Bank
–          The community is invited to meet Santa and take a keepsake photo by professional photographer John Hudson
–          A link from the day will be sent to each attendee aside from the keepsake photo from that day so families can download all of the images from their time with Santa
–          This has truly become an annual holiday event for families with some traveling from as far away as Oklahoma to see the real Santa Claus
–          A $5 donation is requested with all proceeds benefiting the North Texas Food Bank
–          In 2014, Santa Days raised $9,250
–          To date, this annual holiday event has raised over $30,000 for the North Texas Food Bank

Grapevine Mills Mall

This Saturday, November 21, children are invited to Cookies and Crafts with Santa! This event is FREE for Kidgits members, and only $5 to become a member.

Eager children and their families can experience the joy and magic of the holiday season with a visit to the Simon® Santa Photo Experience at Grapevine Mills. Children can visit and be photographed with Santa beginning now throughDecember 24 at the Santa Set located in the Entry 5 courtyard situated between LEGOLAND Discovery Center and Sea Life.

The popular Pet Photo Night returns to the Simon Santa Photo Experience at Grapevine Mills this year on Sunday, December 13 from 8-9 p.m. Many people view their pets as an integral part of the family and are committed to caring for their pets just as they are for any other members of the family. Pet Photo nights are hosted after regular mall closing and the set gets an extensive cleaning following the event to remove any potential risk to allergy sufferers.  Pet Photo Night at Grapevine Mills will be on Sunday, December 13 from 8-9 p.m. For more information please visit www.grapevinemills.com

Grapevine Mills will offer a number of exciting holiday activities and specials including:

  • Cookies & Crafts event with Santa on Saturday, November 21 and Saturday, December 5 at 2 p.m. while supplies last. This event is free for Kidgits members and $5 to enroll in a Kidgits membership.
  • The Caring Santa event will occur on Sunday, December 6. Children with special needs and their families are invited for a special photo experience. For more information please visit www.grapevinemills.com.
  • Don’t miss out on the annual Wrap It Up Super Sale where additional savings and promotions will take place at retailers throughout the property from December 11 – 13 during mall hours. Holiday Greeters will also be on site to assist with holiday shopping needs.
  • Purchase a buy one, get one coupon book at Simon Guest Services from December 20 – 24 for $5!
  • Get your photo taken with Santa at Grapevine Mills and receive a promo code for $5 off Gaylord Texan ICE! ® featuring Christmas Around the World attraction tickets. Tickets can be purchased by going to the Gaylord website through January 3, 2016.

 

Grapevine Mills will be open on Thanksgiving November 26, from 6 p.m. – 1 a.m. and on Black Friday, November 27 from 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Grapevine Mills will also offer Extended Opening Hours starting December 12.

Daily Boutique Deals

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